In 1960 the University moved from Helsinki to Tampere.

Origins of the University

“The history of the University of Tampere strongly reflects the faith of Nordic society in the equality of people.” – Chancellor Jorma Sipilä

What is now the University of Tampere began in 1925 in Helsinki as an institution generally referred to as a Civic College. The guiding notion was that enlightenment was conducive to peaceful societal development. It was felt that large sectors of the population and especially young people in the rural areas were in need of enhanced popular education.

In the early years of its operations interest in the Civic College focussed increasingly on catering for the educational needs of the municipalities and press. The major success areas, a qualification in social care and a qualification in librarianship, came into being in the 1940s.

In the 1960s the institution moved to Tampere. Within six years student intake increased fivefold. The specialised college duly expanded into a multi-faculty university.

To this day the University of Tampere has retained its strong orientation to society, to public and private services and to professional university education.